Not Worth Your Time
UPDATE:After eps 1 & 2, the lack of effort put into this show is noticeable. The acting, pacing, dialogue, and minor story changes are all bland. There is not a single redeeming quality I can think about that makes this series worthwhile. It's sad to see Gemini and Fourth be used solely to garner a larger audience without any thought being put into the series itself. It's a shame, but I hope GMM learns that they should be producing content in quality, not quantity.
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Their acting is fine so far, and although it's a bit stiff and could be improved, they're accurately portraying their characters. But I will admit that Gemini and Fourth deliver their lines in an oddly airy way here - maybe it's just me. Compared to MSP, there's something lacking in their delivery here - it's good, but not AS GOOD (a bit of a pattern with this remake).
As for GMM remakes, I didn't bother watching Cherry Magic since it seemed like it kept the same scenes and plot beats and didn't try to bring something new to the table. However, this remake does! Even within the first episode there are new scenes that bring a refreshing revival to this story. There is a different vibe that slightly shifted the personalities of the main characters which I enjoy.
Still, I'm pessimistic about this remake ever being as good as the original. GMM makes their series highly straightforward with internal and external dialogue, which leaves nothing for viewers to figure out themselves. This makes it feel overall preachy by treating us as though we're dumb, and I already felt a bit of that from the start. But we'll see!
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Ayaka-chan wa Hiroko-senpai ni Koishiteru
7 people found this review helpful
Best RomCom GL!!!
GLs are just starting to rise in popularity and this show should be the reason why!! This series feels like if Cherry Magic and Ossan's Love had a lesbian child - the funny over-the-top misinterpretations of an office romance is exactly what we need.This one is pretty interesting since neither character is innocent, but instead, plain ignorant. This makes for a perfect amount of tension. And I have to say that both unique characters are pretty likable with their own charms: Hiroko is a sort of bad girl turned good, while Ayaka is a bit of a good girl turned bad (not perfectly accurate, but this was the best way I could describe their dynamic).
Very few GLs are worthwhile and well-executed at the moment, but this one is the exception. If you want to be ahead of the trend, I 100% recommend it!
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A Beautiful Continuation of their Story
The word 'Beautiful' perfectly encapsulates this series. The story, the sounds, whether a summer or a rainy day, the characters, and the people in their lives all come together to make it a beautiful and comforting watch.This series adapts the story from the manga and movie into something unique. The world of two beautiful souls who have been neglected in different ways; they meet and form a beautiful connection. While this version is familiar, several changes have already improved the overall story. My expectations are high.
A bonus is that I'm already in love with the actors' interpretations of these roles and look forward to watching their chemistry unfold. I definitely recommend this one!
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Characters that Break Stereotypes
Besides what's already been said, I'd like to center this review on the characters themselves.I hated My Weatherman and My Beautiful Man, and I've seen some comments comparing Takara No Vidro with these bls. Maybe it's because, on the surface, the relationship seems like a one-sided crush between a kind airhead and a stoic cool guy. But this can't be further from the truth in this case.
Takara is a relatable guy who isn't cold but instead straightforwardly speaks his mind. I thought he'd fall into the bully popular guy trope. But Takara is kind and isn't afraid to smile, laugh, and tell Taishin exactly what's on his mind. Credit to the actor because his subtle eye movement shows exactly what he's feeling.
Taishin is also a game-changer in that he speaks his mind right away and owns up to his feelings. This is refreshing considering that a frustrating pattern in BLs to keep the "suspense" going is to wait until the last second for MLs to communicate their true emotions. I just wish we could've seen more of his past and things that make him more personable.
This is an overall well-put-together bl. Takara and Taishin have worthwhile chemistry, great acting, and a comforting atmosphere.
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Heart-Fluttering Moments Ahead in this
I'm not lying when I tell you that this series has made my heart flutter several times within these first 2 eps. And that rarely happens. The acting and dialogue at the most significant parts catch me off guard in the best way possible, just like they do for Minato!!!Something else I find very charming and unique is the heart-warming moments from Minato interacting with the older adults and everyone else in the town. It's common for BLs to forget that their characters are real people who interact with and live lives that don't solely revolve around their love interest,😠so this smaller detail is really refreshing. And the story has already progressed so much in only 2 eps that I feel like I've watched an entire season - no need to worry about being bored or feeling like no progress is being made! The only negative I can see is that Shintaro (the love interest) is a minor (17 yr), but I'm hoping the series handles that aspect well.
Overall, I'd recommend this Japanese BL to anyone looking for something youthful, light-hearted, funny, calm, and slice-of-life.
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Like 2gether but BETTER!
MSP shares a similar theme as 2gether when it comes to music, deeper backstories, and youth. BUT after watching this first ep, I must say that I already love it so much more!First of all, I can already see Tinn and Gun's amazing chemistry. There's a good balance of funny jabs at each other, adorable heartfelt moments, and verryyy long gazing into each other's eyes. And without spoilers, it seems like tension will grow more with more details and reasons being exposed.
Also, the music and soundtrack is chef's kiss! In the first ep alone, we got 3 beautiful songs that tie into the themes of the show with their lyrics and vibes. They're absolute bops and sound so refreshing.
The comedy overall is actually funny (humor in Thai shows can oftentimes get tiring fast). Even subtle gestures, faces, and actions add to the comedic flavor of youth without going overboard. The actual story isn't super unique, but I'm hoping that similarly to Bad Buddy, the execution of the show will bring something new to the table.
Overall, I definitely recommend you giving it a watch if what you're craving is something musical, youthful, funny, and less dramatic. Especially comparing it to most of the upcoming BLs GMM will be releasing, this series is an easy watch and a breath of fresh air to help relax and heal your soul!
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The BEST Korean BL EVER!!!
Despite being only 8 eps, this series was able to deliver as a great BL in general, but also top all other Korean BLs!Even though the series takes place in college, don't be fooled! The storyline, characters, acting, quality, and everything else were fresh, exciting, and perfectly executed! Most importantly, the actors' chemistry was what really sealed the deal for me. Who doesn't want to see two beautiful Kpop idols fall in love? Another nice touch was there were several LGBTQIA+ characters including the main couple. Each episode was also able to keep me hooked and invested without getting too complicated. Overall, I would recommend this for anyone looking for something youthful, lighthearted, romantic, artistic, and simple.
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A Second Chance Exploring Your "What-Ifs"
It's already clear the amount of fantastical potential this series has. Time traveling in itself isn't anything new, but this still feels fresh by adding an unexpected actor pairing, great production, and BL to the mix.Even though I was initially skeptical of Krist and Gawin's chemistry, I'm not anymore. As many have pointed out, Krist really shines in this role. His portrayal of Kawi boosts the cute and unpredictable flavor of this series's comedy, while still representing his darker emotions when need be. And Gawin brought not only acting skills but also charm and rizz to the table with the insane number of enchanting gazes he gave within ep1 alone.
Seeing how Kawi's changes caused an interesting ripple effect through time-traveling makes me eager to keep watching! It's more difficult to get supernatural concepts right compared to other genres, yet Be My Favorite has the potential to be a surprising GMM classic.
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